Another Romney backer, RNC member Greg Schaefer from Wyoming, said Romney looks strong heading into Super Tuesday.
"I think that if he shines there that it's his to lose," Schaefer said.
Momentum has been fleeting in the race so far, though Romney was on a three-state winning streak heading into the Washington state caucuses Saturday. Still, he has had trouble connecting with party's conservative base, and the same holds true among some RNC members.
RNC member Bettye Fine Collins of Alabama said she supports Santorum because he can better relate to regular working people. That contrasts with Romney's image as a wealthy investor who made millions on Wall Street.
Santorum "has never flip-flopped on conservative values," Collins said, alluding to Romney changing positions on some issues.
RNC member Lawrence Kadish of New York said he supports Gingrich because he would be best at reducing the national debt and U.S. dependence on foreign oil. He also threw a small bone to Romney.
"Romney is OK," Kadish said. "He's a businessman, he's not a disaster."
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Lauren Johnert, Associated Press deputy manager for election research and quality control, contributed to this report, along with AP writers Phillip Rawls in Montgomery, Ala.; Grant Schulte in Lincoln, Neb.; David Klepper in Providence, R.I.; Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyo.; and George M. Walsh in Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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